Educating the Next Generation Autism Doctors

by Guest Blogger: Sandra Haines, MAPS Executive Director“Complicated”If ever there was one word that could utterly define everything about autism, “complicated” is it. Parents and physicians alike grapple with the complexities that are the world of autism. Children on the spectrum face complicated learning issues and medical conditions. Physicians who commit to helping these children evaluate complicated treatment and protocol options, complicated legalities, and a complicated mountain of studies and information that, at its core, is… complicated.The Medical Academy of Pediatric Special Needs (MAPS) is facing the complexities of preparing these practitioners for the proper care of children with ASD.This past year MAPS made great strides in the proper training and support of these practitioners:

Promote a structured standard of care for physicians looking at an ASD Medical Specialty under the guidance of highly published physician MAPS Chairman Daniel Rossignol, M.D.

The first MAPS Education conference not only brought physicians from all over the U.S., but 12 countries were also represented, with requests to expand even more internationally.

Established a qualified MAPS ASD Practitioner Referral Directory that parents can refer to with confidence, knowing that they are finding the best of the best in ASD specialists to care for their child. Over 1000 parents accessed this directory during the first month alone and each month hundreds more seek access to this list.

Created a mentoring process for MAPS clinician candidates where they work alongside the top practitioners in the field of ASD at their clinics, gaining invaluable first hand knowledge.

Produced educational documentation that helps physicians share complex information with parents so they can feel better informed and confident in the choices available for their child’s care.

The future for MAPS is exciting. Continuing to build on the MAPS education and Medical Fellowship is vital. Yet, one of the most difficult “complexities” to overcome is reaching physicians in their busy practices and informing them that this specialized training is available and will help them to become the next generation of autism doctor.

Continuing to build on the MAPS education and Medical Fellowship is vital. Yet, one of the most difficult “complexities” to overcome is reaching physicians in their busy practices and informing them that this specialized training is available and will help them to become the next generation of autism doctor.

“The MAPS ASD Overview manual that I received in training has made such a difference in my practice. I open the book and review it chapter by chapter with my patients’ parents. This has reinvigorated their commitment to implementing their child’s treatment plan, something that every parent needs. Also, it has helped me present some really tough subjects in a very clear way – something that I struggled with in the past.”

MAPS Candidate Felicity Solido, M.D.,
San Diego, California

“My country knows nothing about autism. I couldn’t even diagnose my own son for many years. I received ONE email about the MAPS training program and made my commitment to come. The information I learned at the conference was invaluable. I have the potential to save the children of my country.”

MAPS Candidate Henry Okonta, M.D.
South Africa

I attended many physicians training conferences over the years. The MAPS training program was so well developed. It was systematically presented, and I learned so much. MAPS picks up where the other programs leave off.”

As to the article about MAPS, it is imperative we look at Physician’s Assistants (PA’s), and nursing. In the future there will be many more of these professionals as education cost is outrageous. Only the gifted and rich will get to be a typical MD, and specialization reduces that pool.

All I can say is THANK YOU as an autism mom, researcher, and expert whose daughter was at one time was so violent I thought she was going to kill me or I was going to kill her. The intracellular damage that occurs with “autism” is finally being addressed and these children are starting a road to recovery.

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